Case Studies

Case Studies

Case Studies

Case Studies

T2d Guidelines
Improving Population Health
Reducing Cost of Care
Enhancing the Patient Experience
Improving Provider Satisfaction
Addressing Staff Safety and Burnout
ADDRESSING STAFF SAFETY AND BURNOUT

Houston Methodist: Implementing Interventions to Address Provider Burnout and Staff Fatigue

Case Studies

Overview

 

Houston Methodist addressed burnout and fatigue by providing a safe work environment with adequate PPE, boosting employee morale, and reducing stress.1

The Challenge

 

Houston Methodist Hospital was faced with meeting the increased demands of its 130 ICU beds during the pandemic while also safeguarding staff from burnout.1

The Approach

 

Adaptive workplace policies

  • Offered alternate time off options, advanced check dispersal without fees, telecommuting, and copay waivers for mental health services1

Virtual visits

  • Distributed 400+ iPads systemwide to facilitate virtual rounds with COVID-19 patients2
  • Provided 24/7 virtual ICU (vICU) intensivist coverage for 163 ICU rooms2

Extended support

  • Used the Amazon Wish List to collect and deliver essential supplies and supportive notes3
  • Used iPads and Amazon Alexa to connect patients and families and to provide emotional support2

Leadership support

  • Ensured consistent, timely communication of PPE procedures1
  • Implemented the use of huddle boards1
  • Expanded training on the existing telemedicine platform2

Outcomes

 
  • Trained >300 physicians on telemedicine tools2
  • Reduced the burden on ICU physicians and nurses via the expanded vICU program (126 beds, 400 virtual alert button calls, 7000 remote connections)2
  • Minimized physician exposure to COVID-19 and the unnecessary use of PPE with 100,000 telemedicine visits and >400 iPads2
  • Garnered favorable public attention and local support systemwide1,3

For more information, visit Anesthesia and Analgesia

 

ICU=intensive care unit; PPE=personal protective equipment.

 

1. Sasangohar F, Jones SL, Masud FN, et al. Anesth Analg. 2020;131(1):106-111. 2. COVID-19 innovation projects. Houston Methodist Website. https://www.houstonmethodist.org/1285_houstonmethodist/center-for-innovation/innovation_our_work_new/case_study_covid/. Published 2020. Accessed August 21, 2020. 3. Hecker I. Volunteers donate morale-boosting gifts, letters to coronavirus ICU medical staff. Fox 26 Houston website. https://www.fox26houston.com/news/volunteers-donate-morale-boosting-gifts-letters-to-coronavirus-icu-medical-staff. Accessed August 20, 2020.